→ Book now: Exploring causal impact, RCTs

Join our evaluation training event where you’ll delve into how to meet the Office for Students (OfS) Type 3 (causal) standard of evidence using randomised controlled trials (RCTs). This session is designed to guide you through the high-level planning and execution of an RCT, making it applicable to both pre-entry and post-entry access and participation (APP) work.

An RCT is a type of evaluation design that estimates the causal impact of an intervention on a sample by randomly allocating participants to either receive a form of intervention (intervention group) or (usually) to not receive an intervention (control group).

During this session, you will:

  • Learn how to identify when it is appropriate to use an RCT for evaluating your interventions.
  • Explore different randomisation strategies and understand their importance in RCTs.
  • Understand sample size considerations essential for the validity of an RCT.
  • Discover how to use an RCT to evaluate new interventions or strategies effectively.
  • Gain insights into interpreting and learning from RCT findings, as well as how to communicate these findings to stakeholders.
  • Review case studies that highlight common challenges and issues you may face when running an RCT.
  • By the end of the session, you will have a high-level understanding of when it is appropriate to use an RCT, how to plan an RCT for your intervention, and an awareness of potential challenges.

Who should attend?

  • Those new to evaluation.
  • Experienced evaluators seeking to refresh their understanding of causal impact methods using RCTs.
  • Managers and practitioners who commission and manage evaluations.
  • Those who work closely with evaluators.

Note: This session will not cover statistical techniques, therefore, no statistical or technical expertise required to attend.

Why attend?

  • Professional development: Gain a deep understanding of the appropriate use of RCTs, including how to interpret and learn from their outputs.
  • Benefit for your institution: Return to your institution with knowledge of which interventions within your APPs are suitable for an RCT and how to manage these evaluations effectively.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals across the higher education sector, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices for effective evaluation.

Location: Nesta, 58 Victoria Embankment, London EC4Y 0DS

 

Cost:

Early bird

  • Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector):
    • £299 + VAT
  • For-profit organisations:
    • £599 + VAT

Standard rate

  • Non-profit organisations (higher education providers, charities, public sector):
    • £349 + VAT
  • For-profit organisations:
    • £699 + VAT

Sign up below.


Next steps:

An impact evaluation should go hand-in-hand with an implementation and process evaluation, so you may also find it useful to attend our second session on ‘Running an implementation and process evaluation .’